Motorcyclists pay respects at funeral of friend

From the Northern Echo, first published Saturday 14th Aug 2004.
MOTORCYCLISTS from across the country gathered to pay tributes to their friend at his funeral yesterday.
Bikers rode behind the hearse carrying Steven Tarbit, known to everyone as Tarbie, on his final journey.
The 26-year-old father-of-one, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, had a passion for motorcycles and music.
His mother, Dawn Tarbit, described her son as a loveable rogue. She said: "He had a great passion for motorbikes. He was always interested in them, even when he was little and he used to go to all of the bike rallies and things like that.
"He idolised Jimi Hendrix and he played the guitar himself. He was a loveable lad to everyone really."
Mr Tarbit was found hanged from a bridge at Burn Lane on Wednesday, August 4. Floral tributes now adorn the spot.
Although he had been suffering from depression, his death still came as a great shock to his family.
His mother said: "It was total disbelief when I was told he had died and how he did it, but I do believe in my heart that he is at peace now."
His mother, Dawn, and father, Stephen, led mourners who packed Neville Parade Methodist Church, in Newton Aycliffe, to pay their last respects yesterday.
Reverend Keith Burchell spoke of Mr Tarbit's love of bikes, and recalled his love for his seven-year-old daughter, Lexie.
He also spoke of Mr Tarbit's fondness for animals, going camping and playing with his brother, Christopher.
One of Mr Tarbit's favourite songs, Sun is Shining, by Bob Marley, was played to the congregation before the coffin was carried out, ahead of an interment at Stephenson Way Cemetery.
The Northern Echo attended the funeral with the permission of Mr Tarbit's family.
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